A Little Black Velvet

Went to Brocach, the Irish pub on the Square last night and it was a very busy place. The crowd there is a little weird, maybe a few too many parents and a few too many Badger fans, but the food is usually good and the atmosphere not run of the mill.

I ordered the Black Velvet, which is my favorite beer cocktail - half Guinness then topped off with champagne, but was dismayed to discover that the bartender was unfamiliar with that drink. My companions were lucky enough to order their drinks from the Irish barkeep who not only knew how to pour a Guinness without any head, he also knew how to swirl a shamrock into it!

I was also dismayed to discover that the burgers no longer arrive with the Brocach slaw (purple cabbage with raisins and caraway) and a heaping plate of fries. Now the burger is served with a normal amount of fries and a pickle. Boring. The slaw is something special, and it was sorely missed. According to the menu, it is still served with lunch. (?)

The Dublin City Burger still tastes great, though: eight ounces of certified angus burger with Irish cheddar cheese sauce, double smoked bacon, sautéed crimini mushrooms, onion strings and Guinness Stout sauce. The onion strings are sweet and crisp and more than made up for any lack in slaw. Add a little malt vinegar to the fries and all is well.

If you are in the mood for something decadent after your meal, the chocolate cake is not to be missed. A slice of this layer cake with thick, fudgy icing is best when split between two parties and washed down with some Guinness. The cake warrants a trip all its own.